Long before I worked at Martingale, I was a fan of Judy Hopkins and her books. And even though this renowned and prolific quiltmaker passed away in 2011, I still treasure her books and refer to them often. “501,” as we lovingly refer to Judy’s best-seller 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks around Martingale, is my go-to resource whenever I start planning a new quilt. And heck, why not? Judy has done all the math for us! I just pick the blocks I want, decide which size blocks to make, and I’m good to go. This book has earned a well-deserved space on my library shelf. Is it on yours? If not, read on!

Reason #1: These 501 traditional quilt blocks are perennial favorites—they never go out of style. Whether you prefer modern or traditional fabrics, reproductions or theme prints, you can find blocks perfect for your favorite fabrics.

Here’s a section of “Christmas at Crockett Cabin,” a quilt I made as part of a Martingale block exchange using the Crockett Cabin block from the book (page 80). Surprise—as you can see from the block illustration, the block isn’t the star. The star emerges when you set the blocks together.

Reason #2: This book is an excellent hands-on resource for hundreds of block designs—and their names. So many times on social media I see quilters asking, “Do you know what this block pattern is called?” With 501, you can impress your quilting friends with your quilting knowledge by knowing the block names the next time you’re asked.Example of quilt-block names from501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks

Reason #3: Each block is illustrated with black-and-white shading, which really lets you use your imagination when it comes to selecting fabrics. Rather than matching (or being distracted by) fabrics as shown, you can simply follow the shaded illustrations for value placement.
Example of block directions from501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks

Reason #4: Each block has directions for a variety of sizes—with rotary-cutting sizes and easy-to-follow assembly diagrams. Finished blocks range in size from 4″ to 15⅛" square.

Reason #5: Looking for blocks to swap or trade? This book will undoubtedly have what you need. Or maybe a sampler quilt or a row quilt is on your sewing agenda. It’s so easy to be your own quilt designer and create a one-of-a-kind quilt that is 100% you!

Block: Double X #3 (page 95). I made 10″ scrappy blocks and set four of them together to make large star blocks (right), which are then separated by sashing.

Plus, did I mention, Judy has done all the math? And not just for 501 blocks, but for all 501 of them in multiple sizes! That’s literally thousands of block options you can use to make quilts in mini, medium, or maxi sizes. The options are just about limitless.

“As a new quilter, I cannot say enough good things about this book. I love the pictures of ALL the blocks offered at the very front of the book. I LOVE the detail put into each block in the instructions section, especially the grids!”

“…the patterns are solid. You need this book. Use it for centers, swaps, borders, and you won’t be disappointed!”

“I love how all the math is done for you… It is the most-often used book in my quilting library.”

“I will put this book in my rolling sewing tote so I am sure to have it each time our guild meets. Get one for yourself or buy one for a quilting friend. You or they won’t be disappointed.”

Ready to dive into this amazing quilt-block compendium? Buy the print version of 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks and you’ll instantly be able to download the eBook version for free. Or, you can buy the eBook version by itself and save $10.00! Go here to buy the book at our website, ShopMartingale.com. Be sure to leave your review of the book once you’ve had a chance to try it out!

How many different quilt-block designs have you sewn since you started quilting: just a few, more than 10, more than 25, more than that? Tell us in the comments!

Way more than 25! I participate in my guild block-of-the-month, in the online monthly Block Lotto, and the online Block Swappers.

I have Judy Hopkins’ books as three individual volumes and have used them many times. I bought the first one circa 1997 along with four TPP/Martingale rulers (2 Bias Squares, BiRangle, ScrapSaver) and several other TPP books when I got a warehouse sale flyer.

I’ve only been quilting for 2 years, but I’ve done a couple of block-of-the-months so I’d say around 30.

0

—Collette Morton on October 28, 2015

100’s of blocks. . I do remember one of my first attempts when my first born arrived and I made a Mexican Star that turned out pretty well (I thought) and then a Moon over the mountain. I took it to my first quilt class and the instructor tore it up, pointing out all the mistakes with non matching seams and such. . . 40 years of quilting later I understand what she was saying and my blocks and quilts are put together so much better–but I always saved that Moon over the Mountain block to remember–don’t get discouraged, learn how to do it right

When I first started quilting well over 30 years ago I took a sampler quilt class where we made 8 different blocks teaching us a different technique for each block. When I finished all my blocks I fell in love with quilting and decided to make a whole bunch of different blocks to make a king size quilt. This is the best book to refer to make a sampler quilt or focus on just one block and make a quilt. Because I am a scrap quilter I am forever referring to this book to make my orphan blocks and then incorporate them into a quilt or two, or three or four… Thank you for bringing this book back into the limelight to all quilters from beginners to experts!

0

—Sue F on October 28, 2015

I forgot to state that I have made hundreds of different blocks over my lifetime of quilting — they all amaze me!

0

—Sue F on October 28, 2015

I doubt that I can count that high–probably close to a million as I have made several hundred quilts!

Oh my!! I have no idea how many different blocks I’ve made! 50, 60, 100? I like trying new blocks, new ideas; I’ve designed blocks, I’ve tried fun new ways of making blocks and quilts. I like to make every quilt unique, fun and playful! That looks like a book stuffed full of new, adventurous blocks!

0

—Kathy in IN on October 28, 2015

I’ve made 25 or more blocks, but that doesn’t mean I continue to use them all. Some are just for experimental purposes to see if I enjoy the process.

0

—Sandy W. on October 28, 2015

I L.O.V.E. this book – I use it often, and would have definitely made more than 25 blocks, I have no idea how many. I too like to try out new blocks and new or different ideas, even if they do not end up in a quilt, I just really enjoy the experimental process.

0

—Tania on October 28, 2015

I have NO idea how many blocks I have made, For many years I have been making scrapbook covers for new babies and brides. as they are a strange size I often make up my own design to fit, incorporating blocks I remember.

0

—ELIZAJANE on October 28, 2015

Bakers dozen …or so:)

0

—diane beavers on October 29, 2015

I am from Panamá
Is my 2 time that do quilt & patchwork
Do you have books for beginner in Spanish, because is difficult for me understand English
I buy two books but is some difficult to understand.
If you have some videos or book in Spanish is better for me
Thanks
Thelma
I’m sorry, Thelma, but our books are only available in English. ~Cornelia/Customer Service

0

—Thelma Arango on October 29, 2015

This book is as wonderful as you have described it. Lost mine to a "borrower". But I sure used it while I owned it. LOL
I think I recall using the book for at least 10 different quilts. But I used it for blocks used in swaps too. Love it, love it!!

0

—Dell Martinez on October 30, 2015

I love the 501 book and have tried to make as many of the blocks as possible. I have made over 25 different blocks and am planning on making 50 small blocks, one for each state in fabric from that state. I think that would be fun to exchange.

0

—Linda Christianson on November 2, 2015

More than 25, for sure! Hard to pin a number down. Many of my quilts use several blocks, plus the sampler quilts. Also, I design my own blocks on EQ7, so there are many variations. A book like this helps to ensure that maverick blocks will work together in the same quilt.